What is the income limit for CHIP in 2025?

CHIP income limits vary by state but generally cover families earning 200%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of 4 in 2025, 200% FPL is $62,400/year and 300% FPL is $93,600/year. Many states allow incomes up to 300% or even 400% FPL.

What does CHIP cover for children?

CHIP provides comprehensive health coverage including routine checkups, doctor visits, immunizations, dental care, vision care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency services, and mental health care. Benefits are similar to private insurance but at low or no cost.

Can my child have CHIP and private insurance at the same time?

Generally no. If your child has access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance, they may not qualify for CHIP. However, if the employer plan costs more than 9.83% of your household income, your child may still qualify.

How long does CHIP eligibility last?

CHIP coverage typically lasts 12 months before you need to renew. Most states have continuous enrollment, meaning your child stays covered even if your income temporarily increases during the year.

Covers ages 0–18 in all 50 states

CHIP Eligibility Calculator 2025

Check if your children qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). Income limits by state. Instant results — no personal data required.

SSL SecureMedicaid.gov Data2025 FPL Guidelines

CHIP Eligibility Checker

CHIP is for children 0–18 who are not eligible for Medicaid but whose families earn too much for Medicaid and cannot afford private insurance.

State

Household Size (total people)

Gross Monthly Household Income

Number of children applying (under 18)

What Is CHIP and Who Can It Help?

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state partnership that provides free or low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In 2025, CHIP covers more than 7 million children across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.

CHIP was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and has been reauthorized multiple times, most recently through 2027. The program is jointly funded by federal and state governments, with the federal government matching an enhanced portion of state spending. This means states have flexibility in setting income limits and benefit structures.

Most CHIP programs cover children from birth through age 18. Pregnant women may also qualify for CHIP coverage (called CHIP Unborn programs) in some states, providing prenatal and delivery care when the mother's income is too high for Medicaid.

2025 CHIP Income Limits by Family Size — Federal Guidelines

States set their own CHIP income limits as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows how the 2025 FPL translates to annual income limits at common state CHIP thresholds:

Family Size	100% FPL	200% FPL	250% FPL	300% FPL	400% FPL (NY)
1 person	$15,060	$30,120	$37,650	$45,180	$60,240
2 people	$20,440	$40,880	$51,100	$61,320	$81,760
3 people	$25,820	$51,640	$64,550	$77,460	$103,280
4 people	$31,200	$62,400	$78,000	$93,600	$124,800
5 people	$36,580	$73,160	$91,450	$109,740	$146,320
6 people	$41,960	$83,920	$104,900	$125,880	$167,840
Each add'l	+$5,380	+$10,760	+$13,450	+$16,140	+$21,520

Source: HHS.gov 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines and Medicaid.gov CHIP Eligibility

What Does CHIP Cover in 2025?

Medical

✓ Well-child checkups (EPSDT screens)
✓ Immunizations and vaccines
✓ Emergency room visits
✓ Hospitalization
✓ Specialist visits

Dental & Vision

✓ Routine dental cleanings
✓ Fillings and extractions
✓ Eye exams
✓ Prescription eyeglasses
✓ Orthodontic care (some states)

Mental Health

✓ Counseling and therapy
✓ Substance use treatment
✓ Psychiatric services
✓ Mental health medications

Prescriptions

✓ Most prescription drugs
✓ Inhalers and EpiPens
✓ Low or $0 copays
✓ Generic and brand medications

CHIP 2025 — Frequently Asked Questions

CHIP income limits vary by state but most states cover families earning 200%–300% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of 4, that's $62,400–$93,600/year. New York covers up to 400% FPL ($124,800 for a family of 4). Find your state's limit at Healthcare.gov.

No, but they are related. Medicaid covers families with very low incomes and costs nothing. CHIP covers children in working-class families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. CHIP may have small monthly premiums (averaging $20–$50/month per family) and copays, but is much cheaper than private insurance. Use our Medicaid calculator to compare eligibility.

You can apply for CHIP: (1) Online at Healthcare.gov or your state's Medicaid website, (2) By phone at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669), (3) In person at your local Medicaid office, or (4) By mail. There is no enrollment period — you can apply any time of year.

CHIP operates through managed care plans in most states, which means your child will have a network of in-network providers. The network is typically large and includes most pediatricians and specialists. Medicaid.gov provides a state-by-state CHIP directory to find providers near you.

Reviewed by Children's Health Policy Specialists

CHIP income limits and coverage data sourced from Medicaid.gov and Healthcare.gov. 2025 FPL guidelines from HHS.gov.

Last verified: February 20252025 FPL confirmed

Official Sources

↗ Healthcare.gov — CHIP Program Info ↗ Medicaid.gov — CHIP Eligibility by State ↗ HHS.gov — 2025 FPL Guidelines ↗ InsureKidsNow.gov